Sowing Is Key

Sow an act, reap a habit.  Sow a habit, reap a character.  Sow a character, reap a destiny.”

-Charles Reade (attrib.)

I normally have additional thoughts to add, but I feel this quote is rather clear, so “nuff” said.  I will ask you to ponder:  What will people mostly remember about your character when you leave this earth?  What are you sowing?  This is not just about wealth of money, it is equally about wealth of character, of paying it forward, of sowing into people.  Welcome to the weekend!

#destiny #character #sowingandreaping

The Audacity of Hope

A poem by Dr. Connie R. Shipman ©2017

From their homes, their place of safety, our ancestors were stolen.  Brought to a foreign land and forced to become less than who they were born to be, they survived, they fought, and they thrived, due to the audacity of hope.

For the rights that we have today, for the freedoms we enjoy to work and live and love alongside those not of African descent, freedoms that should not have had to be a fight, but were, all were brought to bear due to the audacity of hope.

The endurance of the water hoses, the dogs, the false accusations and wrongful imprisonments, inferior schooling and substandard housing, we had the nerve to survive and even thrive, due to the audacity of hope.

We rule, we teach, we organize, we preach, and we serve as activists, still due to the audacity of hope.

Why do we dare to hope, regardless of the challenges?  Because there is power, strength, viability, and endurance in not just the ideal, but the certain sincerity that exists in the audacity of hope.  Selah!

#hope

Your Work as Worship 

From Rick Warren’s Daily Devotional 

“As you enter your Decade of Destiny, it is important that you understand your work can be an act of worship to God. In fact, if I want God to bless my finances, I must make my work an act of worship. 

What I’m saying is that no matter what you do – sweeping the streets, running a corporation or the work of a stay-at-home mom — your job is more than a job. The Bible says while you are here on earth, you should use your work as an act of worship. 
This means whatever you do, you are to do it with enthusiasm. If your heart is not in it, you are in the wrong job. If you are not working with all your heart, you are sinning. I didn’t say that, the Bible says it. 

Why work with all your heart? Because you are working “as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” No matter what I do, if it is to prepare a meal, if it is to sign an invoice, if it is to do an analysis, if it is to close a deal, if it is to make a sale, if it is to make delivery — whatever it is, I am to do it as if I’m doing it for God, and so it becomes an act of worship.”

Corresponding scripture reference:  Colossians 3:23

#Purpose

“Helping Others” Prayer

Below is a prayer regarding the concept of helping others.  Kudos to the author of this prayer at Koinonia Christian Center in Greenville, NC! – http://www.kccfamily.com

“Father, in the name of Jesus, I will do unto others as I would have them do unto me.  I eagerly pursue and seek to help and serve others.  I am intentional in my desire to express Your nature.  I will esteem and look upon and be concerned for not just my own interests, but also for the interests of others.  I want to be a part of my church’s effort to offer life changing ministry to everyone.  I will, on purpose, make it a practice to help my neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify, strengthen, and build him up spiritually, socially, and materially.  I will love my enemies.  I will be kind and do good knowing that You fight my battles.  I am merciful, sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate, even as my Father is, for I am an imitator of Christ.  Therefore, I walk in real love and service towards my fellow man.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!  (Luke 6:27 & 31; Philippians 2:4; Romans 15:2)”

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Also, my church is hosting a prayer campaign during October 2016.  Via a conference call, we meet every morning at 6:33 a.m. for prayer led by one person.  It lasts approximately 15-20 minutes and is a brief lesson or what I like to call “wisdom tips” for followers of Christ, a note of encouragement, and prayer.  We also have prayers for the month; the above is one of them.  Join us on the call.  Tootles!

Phone no. for live call:  1.712.775.7031 // Meeting ID:  435-786-492

Phone no. for recording of live call:  1.712.775.7029 // Meeting ID:  435-786-492

http://www.kccfamily.com

#serving #prayer

Peace

“It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”  Unknown

#Peace

IDEA Quote

“An idea that is not dangerous is not worthy of being called an idea.”

From the movie Redemption starring Jamie Foxx and based on a true story of reformation.